Dr Amir Khan, a GP who frequently appears on ITV programmes including Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has shared a warning for people who spend a long time on their phone while they’re using the toilet.
The doctor explained that the common habit could increase people’s risk of haemorrhoids, also known as piles. Dr Khan shared the advice on the No Appointment Necessary podcast during a conversation with co-host Cherry Healey. The NHS says haemorrhoids are lumps inside and around your bottom.
The symptoms, which may include itchiness, lumps, and pain around the anus, usually improve on their own after a few days. People can help prevent the problem by not pushing too hard when pooing and by making sure they’re not spending longer than needed on the toilet.
Dr Khan explained why people should follow the advice in a recent podcast episode. He told listeners: “Haemorrhoids and piles are the same thing. It’s an interchangeable word, really. And they’re a collection of blood vessels that have kind of just come out of the bottom area.
“They should be on the inside, but they’ve just been pushed outwards. It’s like a sack of blood vessels. The reason they happen is over time, when you’ve been straining to open your bowels, you’re putting pressure on your rectal area, and that, over time, will push out these blood vessels.”
People are therefore advised to leave their phones behind when they go to the bathroom. Eating enough fibre is also important for gut health, reports the Mirror.
Dr Khan said: “The most important thing is to keep your stool soft. Anything that makes you push harder is going to increase your risk of haemorrhoids. So fibre, fibre, fibre.”
He continued: “Lots of people take their phone to the toilets and then spend ages in the toilet. That increases your risk of haemorrhoids. If you’ve got a man at home who goes into the toilet for half an hour, 45 minutes, and he comes out and he’s complaining about haemorrhoids, you know why.”
People with piles can see a pharmacist to choose treatments that can help with pain, itching, and swelling. However, the NHS says you should see a GP if:
- you have symptoms of piles and they’re getting worse or there’s no improvement after seven days of treatment at home
- you keep getting piles
- you notice a change around your anus that is not normal for you
According to the NHS, most Brits need more fibre in their diets. Found in foods such as pulses, vegetables, and wholegrains, fibre is associated with many health benefits.
The NHS advice states: “Eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.” Eating enough fibre can also help people feel fuller, aid digestion, and prevent constipation.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
